but certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

"but certainly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a statement, and often precedes a statement of quality or something which is clearly evident. For example: "It was a long process, but certainly one that was worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But certainly not bored.

The New Yorker

"But certainly," I lied.

The New Yorker

But certainly not directly.

The New York Times

Technically true, but certainly disingenuous.

The New York Times

But certainly not that much.

The New York Times

(Unlikely, but certainly not impossible).

The New Yorker

But certainly most.

The New York Times

But certainly first snowfall".

The New York Times

"But certainly I'm supportive".

The Guardian

Not surprised, perhaps, but certainly angry.

The New York Times

It is possible, but certainly not easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but certainly", ensure that the clause following it adds significant information or provides a necessary clarification to the preceding statement. Avoid using it redundantly.

Common error

Avoid using "but certainly" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Opt for synonyms or rephrase the sentence to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but certainly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it connects two contrasting ideas while emphasizing the validity or truth of the second statement. The conjunction "but" introduces the contrast, and "certainly" affirms the subsequent statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but certainly" serves as a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce a contrasting idea while simultaneously emphasizing the validity of the subsequent statement. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used expression in written English. Our analysis shows it's commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While "but definitely", "yet assuredly", and "however undoubtedly" can be used as alternatives, "but certainly" holds its own as a reliable way to add emphasis to a statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but definitely

Emphasizes a stronger degree of certainty compared to "but certainly".

but of course

Implies the certainty is obvious or expected.

yet assuredly

Offers a more formal and emphatic alternative to "but certainly".

however undoubtedly

Highlights the contrast while strongly affirming the statement.

yet without question

Adds an element of unquestionable affirmation.

nonetheless assuredly

Similar to 'yet assuredly' but introduces a sense of contrast.

however most assuredly

Emphasizes certainty in a more formal and emphatic way, introducing a contrast.

although admittedly

Acknowledges a contrast but then concedes to a certain point.

while indeed

Introduces a concurrent contrasting element while affirming the statement.

though undeniably

Highlights a concession followed by an undeniable truth.

FAQs

How can I use "but certainly" in a sentence?

"But certainly" is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something previously mentioned, while also emphasizing its truth or importance. For example: "The task was difficult, "but certainly" not impossible."

What are some alternatives to "but certainly"?

You can use alternatives like "but definitely", "yet assuredly", or "however undoubtedly" to add emphasis while introducing a contrast, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "but" before "certainly"?

While it's more common to use "but certainly" to indicate a contrast, the necessity depends on the context. Without "but", it shifts the emphasis to a direct assertion of certainty, which can be appropriate in some cases.

What's the difference between "but certainly" and "certainly"?

"But certainly" introduces a statement that contrasts with a prior statement while still emphasizing its truth. "Certainly", on the other hand, is a direct affirmation without necessarily implying a contrast.